§ 28. Sir CYRIL COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can place a few permanent garden benches in the rose gardens and alleys of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)There are already as many as six large teak seats in the centre of the St. John's Lodge Rose Garden, and I am afraid that the provision of further seats, which would have to be placed in front of the herbaceous borders, would spoil the appearance of the garden as a whole.
§ 29. Sir C. COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the presence this week of caravans of a fun fair in the 793 Inner Circle gardens of Regent's Park arises out of an unexpired existing obligation, or whether it is the intention of the Office of Works to alter the character of any part of the Botanical Gardens area by using it from time to time as a sports ground and a location for theatrical booths, dressing and refreshment tents, and mechanical amusement appliances?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Inner Circle gardens have been used for the theatrical garden party and for the Post Office orphanage fete for many years before the administration of these gardens came into the charge of the Office of Works. For this reason I have not thought it desirable to disturb this arrangement; but I have no intention of allowing any considerable extension of such a practice, as this would conflict with the accepted policy of my Department to maintain the gardens for unrestricted enjoyment by the general public.